Monday, March 8, 2010

Carl Orff



Carl Orff who was born in 1895 in Munich started an educational method for children called Schulwerk. It combined music, movement, singing, playing and improvisation.  It was known for its innovative practice of channelling children's natural energy for play and exploration into music.   His instruments are wonderful.  I especially love the xylophones.


He is perhaps most famous for his composition, Carmina Burana, the movement entitled Fortuna.  If the name doesn't sound familiar,  you might recognize it as the very dramatic oratorio from 'Excalibur', 1981.   It also was used in these other films: 'Glory' 1989,  'Hunt for Red October', 1990, 'The Doors', 1991,  'Natural Born killers', 1994,  'The Bachelor', 1999,  'Jackass: the Movie', 2002,  'Cheaper By the Dozen', 2003, 'Epic Movie', 2007,  'G-Force', 2009', The General's Daughter, 1999.  

The first performance of Carmina Burana was in 1937 in Germany.  Hitler loved it!  Yeeeks!  Think of that, the next time you want to put it in your movie or blast it in your car.  It was the signature song Nazis.  Not surprising, as Carmina Burana was actually some lusty and raunchy poetry from the Middle Ages written by the some heretical monks.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the history lesson about Mr. Orff himself. He has left a great legacy of classroom percussion instruction that continues to inspire many children today.

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